Alli has bright future, says Spurs boss

FOOTBALL: Mauricio Pochettino says Dele Alli has the potential to be a leader at Tottenham as the team looks to consolidate second place in the English Premier League at Liverpool tonight.

Alli is only 20 but already has 15 England caps and won the PFA Young Player of the Year last season.

Alli has scored 11 EPL goals this season and has become a key member of the Spurs team since his arrival League One team MK Dons in 2015.

Pochettino said there were a number of leaders at the club but said Alli could join them as his career progresses at White Hart Lane.

"Of course it is important we have Hugo Lloris, the captain of France, he is an experienced player and can maybe give better advice than younger players,” Pochettino said.

"But then we have Dele Alli, with his personality and character, maybe he can become a leader in a few years. Every player in the squad has leadership qualities, they just need time to develop the qualities.

"It's important to have good character and always work to win, not just to say 'I want to win' - it is to show you want it with your behaviour, attitude, enthusiasm, your own motivation.”